How to stay afloat
I have found that maintaining a creative outlet has saved me on many occasions. We don’t really have very much control over life in general. There can be ups and downs in both our personal lives, at work and in our careers. Having that creative spark buoys the spirit during these difficult times.
Doing what you love may not be enough
More and more I tell students, friends and family to make sure they have something fun and inspiring besides their chosen field of study or work. Here I am a musician supposedly the “lucky” one doing what I love. I do feel this way and I am incredibly grateful but there are still times when I get burned-out and long for something new in my life.
My “other” creative projects
Over the past decade I have created a music and poetry collaboration, wrote/produced/directed an animated short film, and self-published an inspirational card deck for violinists. I also consider my participation in a shamanism study group another aspect of pursuing a creative avenue separate from music. I suggest that if you feel at a loss or unfulfilled in any way in life, try something new. Oh, and I forgot to mentioned that I recently started ballroom dancing!
Violinist Linda Beers is the creator of the Inspiration for Violinists, a 50 card deck. Each card has a unique image and text inspiring musicianship, mindfulness and spirituality.